It is the ancient Greek Orthodox patriarchate based in Damascus, claiming the see where the followers of Jesus were first called Christians.
The Patriarchate of Antioch traces its foundation to Saint Peter and Saint Paul and is one of the ancient pentarchy sees. Led by the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, it serves Arabic speaking Orthodox Christians in Syria, Lebanon, and a worldwide diaspora.
Sources
Primary
- Canon 6 of the First Council of Nicaea (325), on the privileges of Antioch
Secondary
- Ronald Roberson, The Eastern Christian Churches: A Brief Survey